13 Best Things To Do in Ladakh to Make Your Trip Memorable

things to do in ladakh

Ladakh is a wonderful region and a holiday destination for many. It mixes leisure pursuits and opportunities for exploration.

At a height of 3542 meters above sea level, it is tucked away in the gorgeous Himalayas and provides breathtaking scenery in addition to some wonderful tourist sites including castles, lakes, and monasteries.

There is so much that Ladakh has to offer and you may get confused about what to do and what not to.

To relieve you from such stress, we have come up with a list of the 13 best things to do in Ladakh so that you can make your Ladakh trip memorable.

If you are ready, let’s hop on the list of the things to do in Ladakh first and then discuss them one by one.

Contents

List of Things To Do in Ladakh

  1. Visit the Royal Palace of Leh
  2. Defy Gravity at the Magnetic Hill
  3. Celebrate Hemis Festival
  4. Experience the Ultimate Peace at Shanti Stupa
  5. Shop at the Local Markets
  6. Pay Tribute to the Martyrs at the Hall of Fame
  7. Take Blessings at Thikse Monastery
  8. Taste not-to-be-missed Local Food
  9. Discover the Beauty of Pangong Lake
  10. Enjoy Yak Safari
  11. Take a Tour of Hemis National Park
  12. Explore the Depths of Nubra Valley
  13. :Learn to Serve at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

1. Visit the Royal Palace of Leh

Royal Palace of Leh

The Leh Palace, which was constructed by Sengge Namgyal, the ruler of Ladakh, in the 17th century, is one of the most well-liked tourist places in India.

If you want to see how the Royals lived, Leh Palace should be at the top of your list and that’s why we mentioned the Royal Palace as one of the things to do in Ladakh.

This nine-story palace had the top floor as the residence for the royal family and the lower stories as stables and stores.

There is a collection of ritual attire, jewelry, and decorations at the palace’s museum.

2. Defy Gravity on the Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill

Visiting this magnificent Magnetic Hill would be among the most interesting things to do in Ladakh if the thought of experiencing magic attracts you.

30 kilometers separate this hill from Leh, the city.

This approach is said to have unique magnetic anti-gravitational capabilities.

When the car is placed in neutral on this road, it starts to autonomously ascend the slope at a rate of around 20 km/h.

Every year, a large number of tourists come to this hill to see and photograph this mysterious phenomenon.

The hill may have magnetic properties, but it’s still unclear if that’s just an optical trick.

3. Celebrate Hemis Festival

Hemis Festival

Observing the Llamas perform the vibrant Chhams is one of the most pleasant things to do while in Ladakh.

You haven’t truly experienced Ladakh’s passion and allure if you haven’t seen the dance play featuring vibrant costumes and frightful masks.

If you want to be captivated by energetic dances, go to the Hemis Festival in Ladakh.

4. Experience the Ultimate Peace at Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa

Visiting the Shanti Stupa is among the most well-liked things to do in Leh.

The whitewashed stupa is located on a hill northwest of Leh town. It is not even close to being as old as many of the monasteries in the region of Ladakh because it was only built in 1991.

But what attracted non-Buddhists is the stupa’s amazing vantage location, which offers one of the best views of Leh.

You may either drive or walk to the stupa to get there.

If you opt to climb up the steep staircase at the end of Changspa Road, it has 500 steps to the top.

Planning to visit Ladakh and capturing best memories book your trip with us for the best travel experience in Ladakh.

5. Shop at the Local Markets

Ladakh Main Bazaar

Exploring the streets and marketplaces may be one of the most lovely things to do in Ladakh for folks who enjoy learning about the local culture.

The “Main Bazaar” in Leh is one of Ladakh’s busiest marketplaces.

The majority of the well-known goods, including silver jewelry, Himalayan Pashmina shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, Ladakhi jewelry, and carpets, are sold at this market.

One of the most sought-after products in Ladakh is Tibetan handicraft.

If all you want to do is purchase Tibetan clothing, antiques, and handicrafts, you should go to the “Moti Bazaar.”

Despite being a little beyond the main city, the items are of decent quality.

6. Pay Tribute to the Martyrs at the Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Even though it is the center of the Indo-Pak hostilities, you should try to avoid traveling there in favor of a war museum.

The Hall of Fame museum was established by the Indian Army as a memorial to the casualties of several Indo-Pak conflicts throughout the years.

The museum is divided into two areas: one area depicts guns, ammunition, and other equipment, while the other area highlights the equipment and comforts used by the army throughout the battles.

7. Take Blessings at Thikse Monastery

Thikse Monastery

One of the largest monasteries in the Ladakh region is Thikse Monastery and surely visiting this beautiful place is one of the best things to do in Ladakh.

Similar to many other monasteries in the area, it is made up of 10 temples, a nunnery, and an assembly hall that is all constructed up over the top of a hill.

It is said that Thiksey has a striking resemblance to the Potala in Lhasa, which originally functioned as the Dalai Lamas’ residence.

When you first get to the parking lot at the bottom and look up at the buildings, it is fairly amazing to see them flowing down the slope.

You may reach the complex’s summit, home to the more significant temples, by ascending the complex’s winding roads.

8. Taste not-to-be-missed Local Food

Thukpa

Ladakh region is well renowned for serving meals from several cuisines, including Indian, Tibetan, Korean, and Chinese.

For the greatest taste of Tibetan food, you must unquestionably try the Thukpa, Tsampa, and Skyu dishes here.

Before departing Ladakh, you must unquestionably consume Chang, a native alcoholic beverage, in addition to other delicious foods to eat.

9. Discover the Beauty of Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

One of the most famous sights in Ladakh is Pangong Lake, which is located at a height of 4350 m on the Indo-China border.

One of the biggest saltwater lakes in Asia is called the Hollow Lake, or Pangong Tso.

Its circumference is around 100 kilometers. This lake is located in eastern Ladakh, and Tibet makes up two-thirds of its size (Chinese territory).

It offers stunning surroundings and is around 160 kilometers west of Leh city.

The lake freezes over in the winter and becomes a place for ice skating festivals.

Also read: Lakes in India

10. Enjoy Yak Safari

Yak

One of the most thrilling activities in Ladakh is a yak safari.

Yaks are enormous creatures that live in chilly deserts.

They have been domesticated for a very long period by the local population.

Only a few places, notably Ladakh, provide the rare experience of a yak safari and because of this rare-to-get experience, we included it in our list of best things to do in Ladakh.

Sitting on a yak and touring the Ladakh valley can be enjoyable.

A local travel agent can make it simple to arrange a Yak Safari in Leh.

The Safari, which lasts for around four hours, offers the chance to see some of the most beautiful sights and get knowledge about the local fauna and plants.

But due to this animal’s amazing strength, vigilance and alertness are needed.

11. Take a Tour of Hemis National Park

Snow Leopard

The sight of a Snow Leopard, which is only seen in a few places globally, is the most stunning thing in the world.

Take a snow leopard trek in the Hemis National Park, one of the most popular destinations in Ladakh, to learn more about this magnificent species.

More than 200 snow leopards live in the park; they are only noticeable in the winter.

Also Read: National Park in Rajasthan

12. Explore the Depths of Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley

One of the best things to do in Ladakh is to view the idyllic Nubra valley, a valley that is situated 150 kilometers northeast of Leh.

This valley, at a height of 3048 meters above sea level, has the convergence of the Shyok and Siachen Rivers, white sand deserts, opulent, lush villages, glittering streams, and craggy mountainsides.

The valley is peacefully positioned on the Karakoram mountain chain and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Embark on a Bactrian camel ride and discover the valleys.

Read: Valleys in Uttarakhand

13. Learn to Serve at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

You pass Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on your journey from Leh to Sham Valley.

You could get the chance to sample some of the delectable cuisines from the langar if you’re fortunate and have the time.

The sacred site, which is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was exquisitely constructed to commemorate his journey to Ladakh.

The location’s patron deity, Guru Gompa Maharaj, is also revered by Tibetans who travel there.

Do you want to travel north of India? Dharamshala is a beautiful place in this region. Read our Dharamshala Travel Guide to know more about its beauty.

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